AJ Ingson on an Art Project About Genetics, Woodworking, and Their Creative Process

AJ Ingson is an American artist and craftsperson working in the fields of digital illustration and woodworking. One of the key aspects of their artistic practice is embracing mistakes and experimentation. When something needs to be changed in their illustrations or projects, they see it as an opportunity — the process of solving problems brings them half of the enjoyment because it allows them to refine their skills and improve their craft. One of their current projects explores genetics and the idea of inheritance through the lens of craftsmanship. They are fascinated by the idea that they can be both similar to their parents and, at the same time, not completely either one of them.

AJ Ingson shared with Drive Music Media about the beginning of their creative journey, their current projects, and the values that guide them as an artist.

Interviewer: When and how did your passion for art begin? Were you first drawn to woodworking or illustration?

AJ Ingson: Like a lot of artists, I’ve been drawing and painting since I was very young. But as I got older, I started tinkering and fixing things in my father’s garage and creating things with him. He has always encouraged my eye for design and taught me about problem-solving and the creative process. Now, I’m developing those skills in art school and hoping to follow that passion into a career!

Interviewer: Could you tell us about your work on the mural for Nitsch Engineering? What was the most challenging part of the project, and how many people worked on it?

AJ Ingson: When I feel motivated to paint something, it’s often because I saw something in my own life that made me feel a certain way, and I want to capture that feeling through my work. Recently, a family friend had a baby and posted a beautiful image of his wife and child online. This photo sparked such a strong reaction in me that I knew I had to turn it into a dramatic portrait.

Interviewer: Can you describe the moment when you think, “Yes, I want to paint this”? Is there a particular piece that holds a special place in your body of work? What is it about?

AJ Ingson: When I feel motivated to paint something, it’s often because I saw something in my own life that made me feel a certain way, and I want to emulate that feeling through my work. Recently, a family friend had a baby and posted a beautiful image of his wife and child online. This photo sparked such a strong reaction for me that I just had to paint it as a dramatic portrait.

Interviewer: Is there anything you would never create or illustrate? What personal boundaries or principles do you have as an illustrator, and why?

AJ Ingson: In most cases, I can paint whatever someone asks me to paint. However, I feel it’s not right to insert myself into spaces and conversations that aren’t mine to represent. For example, it wouldn’t make sense for me to create a painting about the lived experiences of people of color or people with disabilities when there are so many incredible artists who have authentically lived those experiences themselves. Those commissions should go to them!

Interviewer: Let’s talk about your woodworking. Could you describe your process and how you choose the right type of wood to work with? Is there one particular piece you’d like to discuss in more detail, and why that one?

AJ Ingson: There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing wood, from which species will work best to which specific section of a board has the most interesting grain direction. I love finding a piece of wood with unique colors or patterns and designing a project specifically around that material. For example, my ash and walnut cutting board was made almost entirely because I loved the way the curly grain looked.

Interviewer: What do you enjoy making the most? Why does that type of work appeal to you?

AJ Ingson: Recently, I’ve been loving work that has both function and meaning. Part of what appeals to me about woodworking and metalworking is that I can transform everyday objects into something with a message, or turn an idea into something wearable or usable. Of course, not all art has to be functional, but it’s a new space I’ve been exploring.

Interviewer: What projects are you currently working on, both in illustration and woodworking?

AJ Ingson: Right now, I’m working on a digital painting about genetics, my parents, and the way my features are combinations of theirs. I’ve always been told that I look just like my dad, especially as I go through my transition, but I love knowing that I am somehow both of them and neither of them at the same time.

In this project, I’m also exploring the idea of inheritance through the lens of craftsmanship — how “instructions” are passed down, almost like in woodworking, where every piece is the result of countless decisions made before it. I find that idea fascinating.

Interviewer: If you had to describe your art with just one word, what would it be? Why did you choose that word?

AJ Ingson: I would choose the word: iterative. I mean it in the sense of trial and error rather than repetition. In many ways, the process of receiving feedback, trying again, and improving is what drives my work. Coming up with a truly bold idea means there will be technical challenges, so half the fun is solving those problems and seeing how the project evolves through different stages.

Interviewer: What do you see as your mission as an artist? Why is that mission important to you?

AJ Ingson: I wish I could say I was a highly political artist who wanted to create work that changed the world, but I think my mission is really to make things people enjoy and to tell the stories that move me. American craft, and craftsmanship around the world, has a rich history that I hope to contribute to.

But at the same time, I’m just someone trying to make cool things and enjoy life!

The interview was written by Asya Radko. Pictures were provided by AJ Ingson.